The training facility was massive, its dome-like structure gleaming with pristine white walls and a louvered ceiling that allowed streams of natural light to illuminate the area. On one side of the hall, a series of combat rooms were equipped with advanced AI robots designed to simulate various combat scenarios.
On the other side, several retractable training rings were neatly arranged, meant for sparring sessions. Rows of wooden weapons, ranging from swords to bows, polearms to hammers, and even scythes, were lined up meticulously. These wooden replicas were used for practice, as official spars and duels required the standard weapons provided by the academy.
Despite reaching this impressive facility, the group didn't halt. They continued their purposeful march into one of the chambers. Inside, several teachers and assistants were already present, standing in anticipation.
In the center of the chamber stood a large, round crystal orb, emanating a soft white light. Swirls of smoke-like energy shifted within it, giving it an ethereal, almost hypnotic appearance.
Ray's gaze fixed on the crystal, his expression calm but observant. He knew exactly what it was—the Affinity Sphere.
The Affinity Sphere was a device of profound importance. Its purpose was to determine the elemental rank and the number of affinities a person possessed. For many, it was a moment of truth, a defining step that could shape their path in the academy and beyond.
One of the instructors, a sharp-eyed woman with a clipboard in hand, stepped forward and addressed the group. "Today, we'll be conducting an elemental affinity test. Each of you will step forward, place your hand on the sphere, and let it assess your elemental compatibility. The results will guide us in assigning your training regimen."
The students exchanged glances, a mixture of nervousness and excitement in their expressions. For some, this was their chance to discover their hidden potential. For others, it was an intimidating prospect.
Ray, however, remained impassive. He had no reason to be anxious. He already knew the results, though this moment would serve as an official acknowledgment of his abilities.
Rebecca motioned toward the sphere. "Let's begin. Step forward one at a time."
The anticipation in the room thickened as the first student approached the Affinity Sphere, their hand trembling slightly as they reached out. The soft glow intensified, and the swirling energy within the orb began to shift and respond.
"I think some of you already know what this is but for those doesn't its called Affinity Sphere. This sphere here determines the rank and affinity you guys have." Rebecca spoke and then the
continued
"Aria Catherine, come forward"
Everyone watched as Aria moved with confidence and grace. Most of the people already know here what affinity she had as she was famous and her information was available on internet. But her rank was unknown.
So everyone glued their eyes on her and the crystal to see it. As Aria gently touched the crystal it began shining. The light coming from the crystal changing from white to purple and then to light blue mixed with white.
"Aria Catherine, Affinity- lightning and water, and Rank (E-)."
Gasps and murmurs swirled like raging wind. E rank at the age of 16 was truly was truly a genius feat.
"Okay, you can go now. Your profile data will be updated soon after class is over."
"Okay"
Aria moved seemingly enjoying the crowd reaction back towards where she was standing before.
"Next Alen.... "
Rebecca continued calling the students, checking their affinities and ranks, as the room buzzed with excitement. Kevin's turn eventually came, and he stepped up confidently.
As he touched the Affinity Sphere, it glowed a deep brown, signifying Earth, followed by a fiery reddish-orange light, signifying Fire. The crowd reacted just as they did with Aria, murmuring in surprise and awe.
"Kevin Dusk, Affinity—Earth and Fire, Rank—E."
Kevin grinned widely, basking in the attention as he walked back toward Ray and Leon. "Well, guys, how do you like my great performance? Oh no, don't fawn over me too much, hehe," he said, clearly enjoying himself.
Ray, shaking his head with a small smirk, moved closer to Aria. "You sure he's in his right mind?"
Aria gave him a knowing look, her voice tinged with mild amusement. "Nah, he's been like this from the beginning. You can think of him as a mix of foolishness, narcissism, idiocy, and everything else… a bit of everything."
"Okay," Ray replied, his face blank but his tone amused.
Kevin, overhearing their conversation, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Hey, you guys know I can hear you, right?"
"Well, did I say anything wrong?" Ray asked casually, turning to Aria. "Ask Leon if you want confirmation."
"Nope, she's right on the mark," Leon chimed in, grinning.
Kevin feigned shock, clutching his chest dramatically as if wounded. "H-How could you guys do this to me? In front of our new friend! Ah, it hurts, it hurts!" He gasped as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
The trio laughed at Kevin's antics, the atmosphere light and relaxed as they shared this playful banter. Despite Kevin's over-the-top dramatics, it was clear that the bond between the friends was strong, each of them knowing exactly how to push each other's buttons in the most entertaining ways.
"Leon Aekins, come forward it's your turn" announced Rebecca suddenly.
"Oh, it seems i am next" said Leon as he moved towards the sphere.
Ray already knew how many and which affinity Leon have so he didn't specially look at the crystal sphere, he just wanted to confirm Leon's rank.
As Leon touched the crystal sphere. The sphere first turned green from white representing air, then it became red representing fire and then in the next second it shifted from red to yellow. The bright yellow light was so bright that everyone had to cover there eyes.
"Leon Aekins, Affinity - Fire, Air, and Holy,
Rank -(E+)"
Everyone's leaving some those who already know Leon, jaw dropped. Their eyes wide as gasps and murmurs surrounded the whole room.
Holy affinity was rare, very rare. In the whole history of ARCANIA, the people who had the holy affinity can be no more than some thousands.
Some would think that thousands can be a lot of people but here we are talking about a whole planet where billions of people live and it's history.
That just shows how rare it is. If not for the fact that Leon was from one of the five great families. Right now, people even teachers would be fighting to get their hands on him.
And that's not all Leon was (E+) rank. (E+) at the age of 16 was unprecedented no one has ever reached that but Leon has done it.
*Holy Element is the most powerful element against demons. A demon cut by the holy element cannot be healed. Holy element can also be used for healing. If your mastery over the element is good then it can even regenerate your limb in seconds.
"Y- You can go now. Your data will be updated" even Rebecca was startled by the revelation. She had already sensed that Leon was (E+) but did not that he would have three affinity and one of them will be holy.
Leon as if nothing had happened came back to his place stood there.
"Ray CrownHeart, come forward"
Ray moved ahead and every eye was set on him. Some because of his face and some because he also entered the classroom with Leon. So students naturally thought that he also wouldn't be normal individual and he did not disappoint.
As soon as he touched the crystal sphere it began to shake vigorously and the light coming from it started to change. It turned red representing fire affinity, then brown representing earth and atlast it turned into purple representing lightning.
"R- Ray CrownHeart, Affinity - Fire, Ground, and Lightning. Rank - (E-)." announced Rebecca even more surprised than before.
Everyone mouth and eyes opened wide again. They could not reel their brain around that there mind around that there's not only one but two trielemental mage in their class. Every one know that having more than one element are rare but here in their class, there's that squad that is literally showering in the elements with two dual elemental and two trielemental mages. They cursed at unfairness of the world.
"Well, would you look at that. It seems we have someone special here" said Aria in an mischievous tone.
"Why is the world so unfair.? Here you two have faces like that and now this. I already know about Leon but Ray you, you also. Ugh, forget about getting a girl now they wouldn't even look around anywhere with you two bastards here" said Kevin with every exaggerating gesture mixed in it.
"Yup, i think he has lost it" said Leon
"Yes" said Ray
"Hundred percent" spoke Aria
"But well, Ray i think we can have a friendly rivialry"
voiced out Leon
"Yes, i also think it's gonna be a whole lot more interesting than i thought" said Ray and both smiled.